Crisis Intervention Team (CIT)

THE PLEDGE

The Town of Manlius Police Department is committed to the One Mind Pledge put forth by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP). The One Mind Campaign seeks to ensure successful interactions between law enforcement and persons with mental health conditions and intellectual or developmental disabilities. Participation in this voluntary initiative aims to foster a strong alliance between law enforcement and mental health service partners to improve the welfare of vulnerable individuals and improve public and officer safety.

The pledge consists of three primary parameters:

1) Establishment of a clearly defined and sustainable partnership with one or more community mental health organizations.

2) Development and implementation of a written policy addressing police response to individuals with mental health conditions.

3) Train and certify 100% of sworn officers in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) and a minimum of 20% of sworn officers in Crisis Intervention Team (CIT).

The Town of Manlius Police Department has exceeded the above parameters and is committed to continuing to meet those standards.

DE-ESCALATION

It is the policy of the Town of Manlius Police Department to deal with all persons with understanding of and attention to the problems of persons in crisis. Such individuals may require crisis intervention from officers, collaboration with mental health professionals, and follow up referrals to community resources. Sworn personnel trained as members of the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) respond to calls for service involving persons in crisis whenever possible. Officers use their best judgment based on training, experience, and discretion when dealing with persons in crisis, in any environment, to avoid the potential for miscommunication or use of force. Whenever possible, absent an immediate threat, officers attempt de-escalation using strategies intended to reduce the intensity of a conflict or crisis encountered by the police, with the intent of gaining compliance without the application of force, or if force is necessary, reducing the amount of force required.

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

In collaboration with community stakeholders and mental health professionals the department has developed professional relationships with numerous resources in Central New York to aid and support the community’s mental health needs. Those partners include, but are not limited to:

211 CNY: Dial 2-1-1

Liberty Resources Mobile Crisis: (315) 251-0800

St. Joseph’s CPEP Mobile Outreach: (315) 569-4129

Access CNY: (315) 455-7591

Helio Health: (315) 471-1564

CRISIS INTERVENTION PLANS

In addition to training, de-escalation, and collaboration with mental health professionals, the Town of Manlius Police Department is committed to assisting those in our community to the best of our ability. With that in mind, the department has developed Crisis Intervention Plans.

These plans are internal department documents completed by individuals or by their family, friend, or caregiver on their behalf. The form provides important information to our officers to assist their response in the event of a crisis. It includes some of the following: contact information, preferred treatment facilities or service providers, recommendations to help officers make individuals feel more comfortable and actions to avoid which could worsen a crisis.

If interested in completing a Crisis Intervention Plan for yourself or on behalf of another, please contact the department at (315) 682-2212 and request to speak with a member of the Community Support Unit (CSU) who would be happy to assist.